Department of Conservation - Tongariro

12/06/2026

This week a team of rangers flew up to Hauhungatahi to carry out heather (Calluna vulgaris) control work, helping protect slow growing alpine plants from being smothered by this introduced species. While heather beetles do a great job suppressing this plant at lower elevations, it’s a bit too cold for them to munch away up here ❄️

With clear skies, incredible views across the maunga, and plenty of laughs, it was a pretty special day out.

*disclaimer: no chemicals were in our packs when we did these ghostbuster poses!

21/05/2026

Guess what? Bookings for Tongariro Northern Circuit for this coming summer are open!

Construction of the new Oturere Hut is on schedule for the start of the Great Walk Season in October, but Mangatepopo Track remains closed following fires in late 2025.

We're pretty excited to welcome this new hut to Tongariro National Park, but with the damaged Mangatepopo Track (sometimes known as the Ditch Track) unavailable, the full Great Walk isn't quite open as a circuit... but we couldn't possibly change the name! You can walk between Mangatepopo Road end (the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing) and Whakapapa Village, or reverse.

11/05/2026

Mangatepopo Hut has had a spruce up to weather the winter thanks to our friends at the Backcountry Trust Aotearoa/New Zealand!

Volunteers Graham, Mark, Aaron, and Sally were joined by some of our DOC Tongariro team to touch up the paint job on this well-loved hut☀️⛰️

Thanks also go to our partners at Dulux New Zealand who supplied the paint to ensure the hut is ready to endure the rain/snow/hail/wind of a Tongariro winter.

Want to visit Mangatepopo Hut this winter? Check the details and book in on the DOC website.

📷 Backcountry Trust Aotearoa/New Zealand

08/05/2026

Play a key role in building strong Treaty partnerships with Ngāti Rangi. Lead strategic relationships that honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and deliver positive outcomes for communities and taiao.

📍 Tongariro / Ohakune

Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships

07/05/2026

Speaking of toasty winter adventures...Heading out on an overnight tramping trip soon? We’ve got some fireplace etiquette for you to read: https://bit.ly/4teZZZC

TL;DR? No problem. Here are the main points:
🪵 Use only as much wood as you need
🪵 Stack wood appropriately
🔥 Keep the fire contained, and don't leave it unattended
⛽ Burn fuel completely
❄️ Put only cold ashes in the ash bins
🪓 Replace any wood you use
🫗 Extinguish fires completely before you leave

Always be careful lighting fires on public conservation land, even in contained areas. Our native wildlife, iconic huts, and those visiting after you will thank you.

Happy tramping! 🔥

1. A warm fire at Bobs Hut. 📷: C Rudge

04/05/2026

Dreaming of winter adventures followed by hot chocolate in a toasty warm DOC hut?
Waihohonu and Mangatepopo huts in Tongariro National Park can now be booked for your winter naturing, so you know you have a place to stay at the end of the day.
As Principal Ranger Jenny Hayward says: "There's a big difference between ending up snow camping or having a cozy night in a hut. A booked spot means you'll fall safely on the side of a cozy night!"

Visit the DOC website for full hut information and to book.

📷 Frost a sign of winter to come. Sally Jackson/DOC

13/04/2026

Looking to escape the soggy weather? With Te Wiki o Te Taiao | Conservation Week coming up, we've got a couple of options to keep naturing indoors!

Ruapehu District Libraries Ohakune & Raetihi, are kindly hosting a pekapeka-themed colouring-in competition for tamariki up to 12 years old.
Entries are open until the end of the month with three prize packs up for grabs!

The Kitchen are bringing back Crazy Bingo this Saturday at 6pm! We will be joining this family-friendly event with a creature feature round - check out their page for more details!

10/04/2026

Te Wiki o Te Taiao | Conservation Week is coming up soon!

Learn how you can be part of the action here: https://www.doc.govt.nz/conservationweek and keep an eye on this page for a couple of local events 🌳

04/04/2026

Does your dream job look like this?
✔️ Mostly outdoors and hands-on mahi
✔️ Workplace is literally world famous for its beauty
✔️ Team banter is on point
✔️ Opportunities to learn and build skills

You could be the next ranger to join the Tongariro team!
We’re looking for someone to help maintain the tracks, huts, and other infrastructure that lets people enjoy the Dual World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park. To keep things interesting, you’ll also have the opportunity to support community and biodiversity initiatives in the district.

Interested? Check out the job description and apply at: https://doc.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/DOC/job/Tongariro/Ranger_JR101851

01/04/2026

Question: can you take a mountain bike on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing? What about an emotional support dog?

If you answered no, then bang on, you’re correct!

If you're heading to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing this weekend, we want you to get the most out of your visit to this special place and get home safely.

Check out our how-to guide (including what not to do!) ⬇️

It’s an iconic hike, you’ve seen it all over Instagram, and maybe you plan on hitting it this Easter: here’s how to get the most out of it, and what not to do.